Tougher Cigarette Vending Rule OKd at Students’ Request

Responding to a request from a group of high school students, the City Council on Tuesday passed an ordinance that would require cigarette vending machines to be at least 20 feet from the doorways of businesses.

The statute would go a step further than a state law that took effect Jan. 1.

“It was an eye-opener to me that these machines were accessible” to young people, Councilman John Collins said.

State law prohibits tobacco vending machines except in bars and in bar areas of restaurants that serve liquor, areas where minors are not allowed. The machines in those businesses may be no closer than 15 feet to the door. The fine for a first-time violation is $200 to $300.

The city ordinance, drafted after several students from Fountain Valley High School complained last year about the accessibility of cigarettes through vending machines, would punish violators with fines as high as $1,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to six months.

With the ordinance, Collins said, “We’ve shown young adults that if they have a concern they can come to the City Council and explain their concern, and we will listen.”

Jessica Campbell, 16, a sophomore at Fountain Valley High, was among students who made last year’s presentation to the council. She hailed the city’s action Tuesday.

“This is the first step in trying to help kids [avoid] smoking,” Campbell said. “If the machines are not accessible, then it will make kids stop and think if it’s worth it.”

A recent city survey of Fountain Valley High students found that, of the 129 students who responded, 18% said they smoked, 82% said they didn’t, and 73% said they knew people their age who did.

About two-thirds said that buying cigarettes, either from vending machines or convenience stores, is not difficult.